3 days in New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans, Louisiana! New Orleans is city steeped in history, culture, and delectable cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, music lover, or food enthusiast, the Big Easy has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, I will outline a perfect 3-day New Orleans itinerary to make the most of your visit, including free activities, seasonal recommendations, and whether you should visit for Mardi Gras or not. Let’s dive in and explore the magic of New Orleans!

Best Time of Year to Visit New Orleans

The best time to visit New Orleans is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These periods offer pleasant weather with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring also brings the city to life with various festivals and events (Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day – I’m talking to you!) making it an ideal time to experience the vibrant culture.

How Many Days in New Orleans is Enough?

Three days in New Orleans is a fantastic starting point to soak up the essence of this eclectic city. While it might not be enough to explore every nook and cranny, it undoubtedly allows you to cover the must-see attractions, learn about the unique culture, and savor the mouthwatering cuisine. You’ll leave with a deep appreciation for this city’s vibrant history and charming ambiance.

How to Spend 3 Days in New Orleans?

Day 1: Historic Landmarks and Jazz Cruising

Begin your day with a stroll through the iconic French Quarter, exploring its historic streets and admiring the charming architecture.
Don’t miss the famous Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi River, where you can enjoy live jazz music while taking in breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Ghostly Tales

Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Arts District, home to numerous galleries and art studios. Don’t miss your chance to hop on the iconic streetcars. They’re the best way to see the city for just a few dollars.
Once it gets dark, it’s time to get your creep on as you immerse yourself in New Orleans’ rich history with a guided Ghost Tour through the historic neighborhoods. Learn about the city’s haunted past and its unique burial practices. You’ll learn all about New Orleans ties to vampires, voodoo, and even pirates.

Day 3: Swampland Adventure and Ziplining

Venture outside the city for an exhilarating ziplining experience with ZipNOLA in the enchanting swamplands, discovering the region’s wildlife and natural beauty. You can also opt for an airboat tour.

Free things to do in NOLA

New Orleans offers plenty of free activities to enjoy. Here’s a few:

Explore the picturesque City Park, featuring walking trails, sculptures, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Take a stroll around Jackson Square and witness the lively street performances and artists.
Experience the energetic ambiance of the Frenchmen Street, known for its live music venues.

Should I Visit NOLA during Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in the world. It attracts millions of visitors each year. However, it might not be right for you. Let’s weigh some of the pros and cons before deciding to attend:

Pros:

Unforgettable experience: Witness grand parades, colorful costumes, and the city’s contagious energy during this festive period. Good or bad, this will be an experience you’ll never forget (unless you drink too much, then you might have trouble remembering!).
Unique cultural immersion: Mardi Gras is deeply ingrained in both the culture and history of New Orleans, so attending will offer a glimpse into its heritage.
No more FOMO: You can say you’ve been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Talk about lifelong bragging rights!

Cons:

Crowds and accommodation costs: Expect massive crowds and higher accommodation prices during Mardi Gras.
Limited access to attractions: Some museums and sites might have limited access or close during the festivities.
Lack of flexibility: You’ll have to book your accommodations pretty far in advance if you want a good spot among the action.
Danger: Due to all the chaos and overconsumption of alcohol, this is a prime time for thiefs, pickpockets, and other crimes. Even though you may want to throw caution to the wind faster than those colorful beads, but you’ll have to remain alert if you don’t want things to go south.

Recommended Eateries

Breakfast: Start your day with mouthwatering beignets and chicory coffee at the world-famous Cafe du Monde or try Cafe Beignet for a more local experience.

Lunch: Relish a traditional po’boy sandwich at Johnny’s Po-Boys, known for its wide range of fillings and generous portions.

Dinner: Indulge in classic New Orleans cuisine at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, known for its soulful gumbo, muffuletta, and jambalaya, all the NOLA staples.

Dessert: You HAVE to try the bananas foster from where it originated – Brennan’s!

The Beignet Breakdown

Now it’s time to answer the most important question: who has the BEST beignets in New Orleans? Obviously this is subjective, but I’ll give you my two cents.

Cafe Du Monde – Cafe Du Monde is definitely home to the most famous beignets in all of New Orleans, which also means the longest lines. Get in line before they open if you don’t want to wait over an hour. These beignets were the crispiest and loaded with powdered sugar. I wish they had something to dip them in!

Cafe Beignet – Cafe Beignet has a few locations in New Orleans. I enjoyed the ambiance of this little cafe, and the beignets were definitely the biggest and softest. I like that they have different seasonal offerings. I got chocolate sauce on mine in addition to the powdered sugar which made a big difference. This place also seemed to have the shortest lines.

Loretta’s – Loretta’s has several different flavors of beignets. I only tried the praline beignets, but they were easily my favorite beignet that I tried in New Orleans. The texture was in-between the other two, not too crisp and not too soft – it was just right! The praline flavoring in the middle was just phenomenal, and I swear I could’ve eaten 3 dozen!

If you’ve tried these and whether you agree or disagree with my opinions or if you’ve found a better beignet, let me know in the comments!

Accommodation Options

Budget: For budget travelers, consider staying at India House Hostel, offering affordable dormitory-style accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

Mid-range: The Hotel Provincial in the French Quarter provides a comfortable and charming stay with easy access to major attractions.

Luxury: For a luxurious experience, book a room at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, boasting elegant amenities and a prime location.

Now you have a perfect 3 day itinerary for New Orleans, a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you’re checking out historic landmarks, embarking on a jazz cruise, or savoring delicious beignets, NOLA promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler, every time.